German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia

German Shepherd hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia is a genetic disorder that affects the joints of the hips and elbows. Here we will discuss the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of these diseases.

What Is Dysplasia

Dysplasia in the German Shepherd is a hereditary disease. The main causes of the disease can be both a predisposition at the genetic level violations in the preparation of the diet, and improper distribution of physical activity at all stages of development of a German shepherd puppy.

Deviations from the development of individual parts of the body, internal organs, body tissues are called dysplasia.

Dysplasia in veterinary practice is a common orthopedic disease that affects large breed dogs, like Golden Retriever, and Siberian Husky, and which include German Shepherds.

The disease can spread extremely quickly if the breeding of German Shepherds uses such breeding methods as crossing close relatives and their created lines.

Features of the dysplasia

Dysplasia cannot be congenital, since any puppy is born with absolutely healthy joints. Further, depending on the conditions of detention, diet, and distribution of physical activity, there is a risk of developing the disease.

The main way of acquiring the disease is genetic inheritance. But a German Shepherd puppy born to completely healthy parents is also at risk of getting sick. There are several factors that can influence the development of the disease.

External Environment

Basically, this disease progresses among large and powerful breeds, such as the German Shepherd. From birth, the puppy eats a lot and grows very quickly. Because of this, there is a rapid growth of the bones of the skeleton and the increase in muscle mass begins to lag behind the overall development.

If the musculoskeletal system and the muscular mass of the dog’s physique do not develop simultaneously, then the instability of the hip joint is ensured.

The disease can be avoided if the muscles of the body, ligaments, and tendons of the dog are large and strong. To do this, it is necessary to make a balanced diet rich in vitamins, mineral supplements, and biologically active substances. Too little or too much food can cause irreparable damage to the hip joints. For example, during times of stress, a lack of vitamin C can lead to dysplasia.

Overweight

In a rapidly growing puppy, an overload on the musculoskeletal system is possible. From birth to two months, the bones, cartilage, and muscles of a puppy are still too soft and pliable.

Accordingly, it is this period of the life of a shepherd dog that is the most critical. The joints and muscle mass of the dog’s physique are strengthened only by six months.

If the weight load on the bones of the puppy’s skeleton is distributed correctly until this time, then the development of muscle mass and the musculoskeletal system occur simultaneously. If the puppy is overweight, then the load on the fragile hip joint is too great.

Physical Exercise

Even if the development of the puppy is correct, excessive physical activity at a young age can cause great harm to the hip joints and lead to German Shepherd Hip dysplasia.

From birth to four months, you should limit your German Shepherd puppy’s movements and not overload him with training. Until the puppy has the opportunity to go out for walks, you must provide him with a flat surface without obstacles to play.

There are two types of this disease.

1. Hip dysplasia.
2. Elbow dysplasia.
   

1. German Shepherd Hip dysplasia

German Shepherd hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder that affects the hip joints. It occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit snugly together, leading to improper movement, pain, and discomfort.

Violation of the functions in the articular surfaces of the pelvis and femoral head, leading to an anomaly in the development of the musculoskeletal system of the hind limbs of the dog, is called hip dysplasia. As a result, the hind limbs become unstable due to maldevelopment, resulting in lameness and dislocations.

German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Signs & Symptoms

German Shepherd Hip dysplasia can start at any age. Basically, owners of German Shepherd puppies aged from six months to a year turn to the veterinarian.

During the disease, the articular surface of the pelvis and the head of the femur do not correspond to the size of each other, which is why friction occurs between them, which contributes to the destruction of the articular cartilage. As a result, the animal experiences discomfort and pain.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia are:

• Lethargy.
• Fatigue.
• Difficulty getting up, especially after sleep.
• Instability of the hind limbs.
• Lameness.

Diagnosis of the Disease

It is possible to diagnose the exact degree of hip dysplasia in a German shepherd only after a year.

For the correct diagnosis of the disease, it is necessary to conduct an x-ray examination. It can only be performed in a certain position. To do this, you need to completely calm the dog – to carry out general anesthesia.

To get a high-quality X-ray, you should follow a few rules:

• On the day of diagnosis, it is necessary to walk the shepherd well.
• You can not feed the dog before the picture.
• You can’t do X-rays when the bitch is in heat.
• X-ray is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating bitches.

Methods of Treatment of German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia

In modern medicine, depending on the diagnosis, there are two ways to treat hip dysplasia:

Therapeutic
Surgical

Treatment with Therapy

With this method of treatment, after discovering the cause, the doctor prescribes drugs that can restore cartilage tissue, and painkillers, limits the dog’s physical activity, and makes up a special balanced diet that includes vitamins and trace elements. If the German Shepherd is overweight, then the diet includes a special diet.

Therapeutic treatment can have an excellent effect if hip dysplasia is mild or moderate in severity.

Treatment through Surgery

If German Shepherd Hip dysplasia is severe or therapy has not helped, then treatment requires urgent surgical intervention:

Resection arthroplasty is done if the shepherd weighs less than thirty kilograms and has a flattening of the femoral head. In order for the pain to disappear from the animal, part of the thigh will have to be removed.

With a triple pelvic osteotomy, the internal organs of a German shepherd are saved. Surgeons change the angle of the articular cavity of the pelvic bone, forever relieving the dog of inconvenience. Such an operation cannot be performed if osteoarthritis is developed – flattening of the femoral head.

Intertrochanteric osteotomy – changing the angle of the femoral neck.

German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Prevention

To exclude the possibility of hip dysplasia, the following rules must be observed:

• Feed your dog only properly balanced food.
• Do not overfeed the shepherd dog in order to avoid gaining excess weight.
• Properly distribute physical activity for the animal.
• Perform preventive diagnostics.

German Shepherd hip dysplasia vs. Normal

Key Differences between normal and hip dysplasia are:

Joint Stability: In normal hips, the joint is stable, allowing for smooth movement without grinding or friction. In dogs with hip dysplasia, joint instability can lead to discomfort, lameness, and a bunny-hopping gait.

Pain and Discomfort: Normal hips generally don’t cause pain or discomfort during movement. Hip dysplasia can result in pain, particularly when the dog engages in activities that stress the hip joint.

Range of Motion: Dogs with normal hips can move their hind legs freely without any limitation. Hip dysplasia can restrict the range of motion, making it challenging for affected dogs to perform certain movements.

Gait: A dog with normal hips has a smooth and balanced gait. Dogs with hip dysplasia may exhibit an abnormal gait, such as swaying or wobbling, as they compensate for the instability.

German Shepherd hip dysplasia Age

German Shepherd hip dysplasia can manifest at various ages, but it’s important to note that the signs and severity of the condition can differ based on the dog’s age and developmental stage.

Puppy Stage (Up to 1 Year): (German Shepherd hip dysplasia puppy)

While hip dysplasia is primarily a genetic condition, its effects can become noticeable during the puppy stage. Puppies as young as a few months old might exhibit signs of hip dysplasia.

These signs can include difficulty in standing up, bunny hopping, limping, and reluctance to engage in vigorous play. Puppies with hip dysplasia might show altered gait patterns due to joint instability.

Adult Stage (2 Years and Older):

In adult German Shepherds, the progression of hip dysplasia can lead to the development of arthritis and chronic pain.

Dogs may experience stiffness, decreased mobility, and reluctance to jump or climb stairs. The severity of symptoms can vary widely, with some dogs displaying only mild discomfort, while others experience more pronounced limitations.

German Shepherd hip dysplasia life expectancy

The life expectancy of a German Shepherd with hip dysplasia can vary based on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the dog’s overall health, the management strategies in place, and the quality of care provided.

While hip dysplasia itself is a challenging condition, it doesn’t necessarily dictate a significantly reduced life span. With proper care and proactive measures, affected German Shepherds can lead relatively fulfilling lives.

2. German Shepherd Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia in German Shepherds is another orthopedic condition that affects the front legs, specifically the elbow joints of these dogs. Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a developmental disorder that can cause discomfort, pain, and mobility issues for affected animals.

Violation of the process of proper development of bones in the elbow joint of hereditary origin is called elbow dysplasia. The joint consists of bones that develop unevenly, which leads to an abnormality of the surface of the joint, due to which there is too much stress on the joint and damage or rupture of cartilage and bone tissue.

Elbow dysplasia is a congenital disease. Special signs of the disease begin to appear in German Shepherd puppies from four to six months.

German Shepherd Elbow Dysplasia Symptoms

The main signs of German Shepherd Elbow Dysplasia are:

• Lameness on the forelimbs.
• Rapid fatigue.
• Pain during flexion of the forelimb.
• An increase in the elbow joint.
• Atrophy of the muscles of the shoulder area.
• Crunch in the joint.

Diagnosis of the disease

For a correct diagnosis of German Shepherd elbow dysplasia, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination by a specialist, take an x-ray, and undergo arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging.

If your dog is lame and the picture shows nothing, you need to re-test in a month.

Methods of Treatment of German Shepherd Elbow Dysplasia

It is necessary to reduce the body weight of the dog with special sparing diets in order to reduce the load on the diseased joint.

If the joints of the forelimbs are inflamed, then you will have to use the analgesics prescribed by the doctor. But they cannot be used for a long time by a German shepherd, as they adversely affect the stomach.

If cartilage damage is insignificant, then chondroprotective drugs can be taken.

Arthroscopy determines the degree of damage to the cartilage of the joint for a complete picture of the future prognosis. After such treatment, the shepherd quickly recovers and can bend its limb without pain in a few hours.

If the disease has reached a severe degree, then surgical intervention will be required. But the results will depend on the age of the dog.

Conclusion

German Shepherd hip dysplasia is a challenge that can be managed with knowledge, proactive care, and the right interventions.

By understanding the symptoms, practicing prevention strategies, and seeking professional guidance, you can ensure your German Shepherd enjoys a life of vitality and comfort.

Remember, your diligent efforts can transform their struggle into strength, making the journey worthwhile for both you and your loyal companion.